US11356572B2 - Information processing device and information processing system - Google Patents

Information processing device and information processing system Download PDF

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Publication number
US11356572B2
US11356572B2 US16/566,232 US201916566232A US11356572B2 US 11356572 B2 US11356572 B2 US 11356572B2 US 201916566232 A US201916566232 A US 201916566232A US 11356572 B2 US11356572 B2 US 11356572B2
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information
user
function
display
cooperative
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US20200099807A1 (en
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Hiroshi Sakaida
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Fujifilm Business Innovation Corp
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Fujifilm Business Innovation Corp
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00344—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a management, maintenance, service or repair apparatus
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
    • H04N1/00405—Output means
    • H04N1/00474—Output means outputting a plurality of functional options, e.g. scan, copy or print
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
    • H04N1/00501—Tailoring a user interface [UI] to specific requirements
    • H04N1/00503—Customising to a particular machine or model, machine function or application
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
    • H04N1/00501—Tailoring a user interface [UI] to specific requirements
    • H04N1/00509—Personalising for a particular user or group of users, e.g. a workgroup or company
    • H04N1/00514—Personalising for a particular user or group of users, e.g. a workgroup or company for individual users
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/44—Secrecy systems
    • H04N1/4406—Restricting access, e.g. according to user identity
    • H04N1/4433—Restricting access, e.g. according to user identity to an apparatus, part of an apparatus or an apparatus function
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0077—Types of the still picture apparatus
    • H04N2201/0094—Multifunctional device, i.e. a device capable of all of reading, reproducing, copying, facsimile transception, file transception

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to an information processing device and an information processing system.
  • Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-318542 describes a device that, when it is detected that multiple devices function as a multi-purpose peripheral, generates operation screen information for the multi-purpose peripheral using layout information on the multi-purpose peripheral, and operation screen information on the multiple devices.
  • Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-234118 describes a device that uses user interface generation information for multiple devices, thereby generating corresponding user interfaces for the devices in one tool which provides the user interfaces.
  • information for instance, user interface information
  • the display device is separately needed.
  • aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate to eliminate the need of a display device for displaying information for operating a cooperative function, the display device being other than the devices utilized for the cooperative function.
  • aspects of certain non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure address the above advantages and/or other advantages not described above. However, aspects f the non-limiting embodiments are not required to address the advantages described above, and aspects of the non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure may not address advantages described above.
  • an information processing device including a control unit that causes a display unit provided in each of a first device and a second device to display cooperative operation information for operating a cooperative function achievable by linking the first device and the second device.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an information processing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a server
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a device
  • FIG. 4 is a table illustrating an association management table
  • FIG. 5 is a table illustrating a cooperative function management table
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the outline of processing
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the details the processing
  • FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a screen
  • FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a screen
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the details of the processing
  • FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a screen
  • FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a screen
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining processing according to a first modification
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the processing according to the first modification.
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining processing according to a second modification.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the information processing system according to the exemplary embodiment.
  • the information processing system includes a server 10 and one or more devices.
  • the information processing system includes two devices (for instance, devices 12 A and 12 B).
  • the devices 12 A and 12 B do not need to be distinguished, the devices 12 A, 12 B are referred to as the “device 12 ”.
  • the number of devices 12 illustrated in FIG. 1 is only an example, and the information processing system may include three or more devices 12 .
  • the server 10 and the device 12 have a function of communicating with other devices via, for instance, a communication line N such as the Internet or another network.
  • the communication may be wireless communication or wired communication.
  • the server 10 is a device that manages association of the device 12 with users who operate the device 12 , generates information to be displayed on the device and provides the information the device 12 .
  • the device 12 is a device that has a function.
  • the type of the device 12 is not particularly limited.
  • the category of the concept of the device 12 includes devices in general, and may include, for instance, information devices, video devices, audio devices, and other devices.
  • the device 12 is, for instance, an image forming device raving an image forming function (such as a scan function, a print function, and a copy function), a personal computer (PC), a tablet C, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a robot, a projector, and a display device.
  • PC personal computer
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the configuration of the server 10 .
  • the communication unit 14 is a communication interface, and is configured to transmit information to other devices, and to receive information from other devices.
  • the communication unit 14 may have a wireless communication function, and may have a wired communication function.
  • the storage 16 is one or more storage areas that store various types of information. Each storage area may be a logical partition or a logical drive which is defined in a storage device (such as a hard disk, and a memory), for instance.
  • the server 10 may include multiple storage devices (physical drives), and each individual physical drive may be defined as a separate storage area. Alternatively, these illustrated various storage areas may be combined and utilized.
  • the storage 16 may not be provided in the server 10 itself, but may be provided in another device.
  • the storage 16 stores, for instance, association management information and cooperative function management information.
  • the association management information is for managing the device 12 and association with the user who utilizes the device 12 .
  • the cooperative function management information is for managing cooperative functions which are achievable (feasible) by linking multiple devices 12 . These pieces of information will be described in detail. Also, history information indicating the device 12 and functions utilized by users in the past may be generated, and the history information may be stored in the storage 16 .
  • the controller 18 is configured to control the operation of each component of the server 10 .
  • the controller 18 includes an associating unit 20 , a cooperative function identifier 22 , and a display information generator 24 .
  • the associating unit 20 is configured to associate the device 12 and a user who utilizes the device 12 with each other, and to register information indicating the association in association management information. For instance, device information on the device 12 , and user information on the user who utilizes the device 12 are transmitted from the device 12 to the server 10 .
  • the device information includes, for instance, device identification information for identifying the device 12 , and capability information indicating the capability owned by the device 12 .
  • the user information includes user identification information for identifying the user.
  • the associating unit 20 associates, for instance, the device identification information and the user identification information with each other, and registers the device identification information and the user identification information in the association management information. Multiple devices 12 may be associated with the same user.
  • authentication information indicating that the authentication is successful, the device information, and the user information are transmitted from the device 12 to the server 10 .
  • the device 12 and user who has succeeded in authentication to the device 12 are associated with each other.
  • the authentication information, device information, and user information are transmitted from each of the devices 12 to the server 10 , and the same user is associated with the multiple devices 12 .
  • the cooperative function identifier 22 is configured to identify a cooperative function by referring to the cooperative function management information, the cooperative function being achievable by linking the multiple devices 12 .
  • the cooperative function identifier 22 identifies multiple devices 12 associated with the same user, for instance, in the association management information, and further identifies a cooperative function by referring to the cooperative function management information, the cooperative function being achievable by linking the multiple devices 12 .
  • the display information generator 24 is configured to generate information to be displayed on device 12 (for instance, user interface information (hereinafter referred to as “UI information”)). For instance, when a user is associated with one device 12 , the display information generator 24 generates UI information for performing an operation such as an instruction for execution and setting of the function (singly performed function) owned by the device 12 .
  • the UI information is transmitted from the server 10 to the device 12 , and is displayed on the device 12 .
  • the UI information for performing an operation such as an instruction for execution and setting of a singly performed function corresponds to an example of singly performed operation information.
  • the display information generator 24 When a user is associated with multiple devices 12 , and a cooperative function achievable by linking the multiple devices 12 is identified by the cooperative function identifier 22 , the display information generator 24 generates UI information for performing an operation such as an instruction for execution and setting of the cooperative function.
  • the UI information is transmitted from the server 10 to each of the multiple devices 12 , and is displayed on each device 12 .
  • the UI information for performing an operation such as an instruction for execution and setting of the cooperative function corresponds to an example of cooperative operation information.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the configuration of the device 12 .
  • the configuration shared by each device 12 is illustrated in FIG. 3 , and a configuration specific to individual device 12 is not illustrated.
  • a communication unit 26 is a communication interface, and is configured to transmit information to other devices, and to receive information from other devices.
  • the communication unit 26 may have a wireless communication function, and may have a wired communication function.
  • a UI unit 28 is a user interface, and includes a display and a operation interface.
  • the display is, for instance, a display device such as a liquid crystal display and an EL display.
  • the operation interface is an input device such as a keyboard.
  • the UI unit 28 may be a user interfaces (for instance, a touch panel) that includes a display and an operation interface.
  • the UI unit 28 may include a sound input unit such as a microphone for inputting sound, and a sound generator, such as a speaker, that generates sound.
  • the storage 30 is one or more storage areas that store various types of information.
  • the storage 30 pre-stores device information on, for instance, the device 12 which is a self-device (that includes the storage 30 ).
  • An execution unit 32 is configured to execute the function of by the device 12 . For instance, when the device 12 is a printer that has a print function, and instructions for execution of the print function are issued, the execution unit 32 executes printing in accordance with the instructions for execution. When a cooperative function is set, the execution unit 32 is configured to execute a function (function assigned to the device 12 ) to be executed by the device 12 among multiple functions included in the cooperative function.
  • the controller 34 is configured to control the operation of each component of the device 12 .
  • the controller 34 may perform authentication processing on a user of the self-device (the device 12 ).
  • the self-device is permitted to be utilized by a user for whom authentication has succeeded, and the self-device is prohibited from being utilized by a user for whom authentication has failed.
  • the controller 34 transmits to the server 10 device information on the self-device, and user information on a user for whom authentication has succeeded.
  • authentication processing may be performed by the server 13 , or another device (for instance, an authentication server).
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an association management table.
  • the data of an association management table is stored as the association management information in the storage 16 .
  • user identification information for identifying each user for instance, a user ID, and a name
  • device identification information for instance, a device ID, a name, an IP address, and a MAC address
  • capability information indicating the capability of the device 12 are associated with each other.
  • the user identification information is information included in the user information of the user.
  • the device identification information and the capability information are information included in the device information on the device 12 .
  • the capability information includes, for instance, information indicating a singly performed function which may be executed by the device 12 , information indicating the device configuration of the device 12 , and information indicating the performance of the device 12 .
  • the singly performed function is a function achievable by the device 12 independently.
  • printer A as a device 12 has a print function, and is capable of executing printing independently.
  • the information indicating the device configuration of the printer A includes, for instance, information indicating the number of trays.
  • the information indicating the performance of the printer A includes, for instance, information indicating color print capability and a print speed.
  • the associating unit 20 registers user identification information included in the user information, and the device identification information and capability information included in the device information in the association management table in association with each other.
  • user ⁇ is associated with the printer A and the PC(B) as the device 12 .
  • user ⁇ is authenticated by the printer A and the PC(B) (is logged in those devices 12 ). The same goes with another user ⁇ .
  • the associating unit 20 dissolves the association of a user with the device 12 for which authentication has been cancelled.
  • the associating unit 20 may delete, for instance, the device information on the device 12 with authentication cancelled from the association management table, or may associate a flag with the device 12 in the association management table without deleting the device information, the flag indicating that authentication has been cancelled.
  • the authentication may be cancelled, for instance, in accordance with instructions of a user, or when the device 12 has not been used for a predetermined time or longer, or due to other factors.
  • the associating unit 20 updates the association management table.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the cooperative function Management table.
  • the data of the cooperative functional management table is stored as the cooperative function management information in the storage 16 .
  • the cooperative function management table is generated in advance, for instance.
  • information indicating a combination of multiple devices 12 (or may be information indicating a combination of singly performed functions of devices 12 ), and information indicating cooperative functions achievable by linking the multiple devices 12 are associated with each other.
  • a copy function is achievable as a cooperative function by linking printer A having a print function and PC(B) having an imaging function.
  • printer A does not have an image reading function like a scanner, it is not possible to achieve a copy function or a scan function by itself.
  • PC(B) does not have a function of forming an image on a recording medium such as a sheet of paper.
  • printer A has a print function (a function of forming an image on a recording medium)
  • PC(B) has an imaging function (a function achieved by, for instance, a camera mounted on the PC(B)) as a function to read an image. It is possible to achieve a copy function by combining these functions. Specifically, an image is read by the camera mounted on the PC(B), and data of the image transferred from the PC(B) to the printer A, and the image is formed on a recording medium by the printer A. In this manner, it is possible to achieve a function by linking multiple devices 12 , the function being not possible to be achieved singly by individual device 12 .
  • Combinations of multiple devices 12 , and cooperative functions achievable by linking the multiple devices 12 are predetermined, and the contents are pre-registered in the cooperative function management table.
  • any cooperative function achievable by linking the new device 12 and the devices 12 registered already is registered in the cooperative functional management table, thus the cooperative functional management table is updated.
  • a cooperative function may be executed by linking three or more devices 12 .
  • Multiple devices 12 of different types may be linked, or multiple devices 12 of the same type may be linked.
  • multiple devices 12 having different functions may be linked, or multiple devices 12 having the same function may be linked.
  • a combination of the printer A and the PC(B) is an example of the former.
  • a combination of multiple printers having the same function is an example of the latter.
  • print processing may be distributed to multiple printers, and part of the print processing assigned to the self-device may be executed by each printer.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing.
  • the controller 18 of the server 10 checks whether or not the server 10 has received information (information including the device information and the user information) from the device 12 (step S 01 ).
  • step S 02 When the server 10 has not received information from the device 12 (No in step S 02 ), the processing returns to step S 01 .
  • the associating unit 20 identifies the device 12 that has transmitted the information to the server 10 , based on the device information included in the received information, and identifies the user who operates the device 12 , based on the user information included in the information (step S 03 ).
  • the associating unit 20 checks whether or not authentication information is included in the information transmitted from the device 12 to the server 10 (step S 04 ). Authentication processing to a user is performed by the device 12 , and when authentication succeeds, authentication information indicating that authentication has succeeded is transmitted from the device 12 to the server 10 .
  • the associating unit 20 registers the identified device 12 and the identified user in the association management table in association with each other (step S 06 ).
  • the user is a user authenticated to the device 12 (a user who has logged in the device 12 ).
  • the associating unit 20 registers the device information (such as the capability information) included in the information in the association management table, and stores the device information in the storage 16 (step S 07 ).
  • the cooperative function identifier 22 identifies all the devices 12 associated with the user in the association management table, and for each device 12 , identifies the singly performed function (singly performed function which may be executed by the device 12 ) which may be provided by the device 12 (step S 08 ).
  • the cooperative function identifier 22 identifies multiple devices 12 associated with the user in the association management table, and identifies each cooperative function associated with a combination of the multiple devices 12 in the association management table (step S 09 ). In this manner, each cooperative function achievable by linking multiple devices 12 associated with the user is identified. When only one device 12 is associated with the user, no cooperative function is identified. Even when multiple devices 12 are associated with the user, if no cooperative function is achievable by linking the multiple devices 12 (for instance, when a cooperative function is not registered in the cooperative functional management table), no cooperative function is identified.
  • the display information generator 24 generates UI information for performing an operation such as an instruction for execution and setting of a singly performed function and a cooperative function identified as described above (step S 10 ), and stores the UI information in the storage 16 in association with the user and the device 12 (step S 11 ).
  • the UI information does not include information on the operation such as an instruction for execution and setting of a cooperative function.
  • the communication unit 14 transmits the UI information to the device 12 associated with the user under the control of the controller 18 (step S 12 ).
  • the controller 34 causes a display of the UI unit 28 to display the UI information. Thereafter, the processing returns to step S 01 .
  • the display information generator 24 identifies the UI information being displayed on the device 12 (step S 13 ). For instance, when a user is already authenticated by the device 12 and has logged in the device 12 , authentication information may not be included in the transmitted information. For instance, UI information is stored in the storage 16 in association with a user and a device 12 , and the display information generator 24 refers to the association, thereby identifying the UI information associated with the identified user and the identified device 12 .
  • the display information generator 24 changes the UI information based on the information transmitted from the device 12 to the server 10 (step S 14 ). For instance, when information indicating occurrence of an error is included in the transmitted information, the display information generator 24 changes the UI information in response to the occurrence of the error.
  • the display information generator 24 stores the changed UI information in the storage 16 (step S 15 ). For instance, the display information generator 24 stores the UI information in the storage 16 in association with the identified user and the identified device 12 .
  • the communication unit 14 transmits the changed UI information to the device 12 which has transmitted the information to the server 10 under the control of the controller 18 (step S 16 ).
  • the controller 34 causes the display of the UI unit 28 to display the changed UI information. Thereafter, the processing returns to step S 01 .
  • printer A is used as a device 12 A
  • PC(B) for instance, a tablet PC
  • user ⁇ inputs user identification information (for instance, a user ID and a password) of user ⁇ to the device 12 A, thereby requesting authentication (for instance, login) to the device 12 A.
  • the user ⁇ may attempt authentication using an ID card on which the user identification information is recorded.
  • authentication to the device 12 A succeeds, login of the user ⁇ to the device 12 A is completed, and the device 12 A is permitted to be used by the user ⁇ .
  • authentication fails the device 12 A is prohibited from being used by the user ⁇ .
  • the device 12 A transmits user information (information including the user identification information) on the user ⁇ , and device information (information including the device identification information and the capability information) on the device 12 A to the server 10 .
  • the capability information includes, for instance, the singly performed function (for instance, the print function) owned by the printer A, and information indicating the presence of a color print function.
  • the associating unit 20 identifies the device 12 A (printer A) based on the device information transmitted from the device 12 A, and identifies the user ⁇ who has logged in the device 12 A based on the user information.
  • the associating unit 20 then registers the device 12 A and the user ⁇ in the association management table in association with each other. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 4 , the user ⁇ , the printer A, and the capability of the printer A are associated with each other.
  • the associating unit 20 stores the device information transmitted from the device 12 A in the storage 16 .
  • the cooperative function identifier 22 identifies that the function achievable by the device 12 A (the function which may be provided by the device 12 A) is a print function based on the capability information included in the device information.
  • the display information generator 24 generates UI information on allowing an operation such as an instruction for execution and setting of the print function to be performed, and an operation of only setting for other functions to be performed.
  • the communication unit 14 transmits the UI information to the device 12 A under the control of the controller 18 .
  • the controller 34 of the device 12 A causes the display of the UI unit 28 to display the UI information.
  • FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a screen.
  • a screen 36 is displayed on the display of the UT unit 28 as the UI information.
  • information for instance, a user ID and a name
  • information for instance, a device name
  • printinger A information (for instance, a character string “printing is available”) indicating that the function achievable by the device 12 A is the print function
  • a button image 38 in relation to the print function are displayed.
  • the button image 38 When the button image 38 is pressed (for instance, is clicked) on the screen 36 , the setting screen for the print function is displayed on the display of the UI unit 28 .
  • the user ⁇ is able to set the print function on the setting screen, and issue instructions for execution of printing.
  • a button image 40 for displaying a cooperative function achievable by linking with the other devices 12 is displayed.
  • information on the cooperative function may be displayed on the display of the UI unit 28 .
  • FIG. 9 illustrates an example of display of information on the cooperative function.
  • the button image 40 is pressed by a user on the screen 36
  • the screen displayed on the display of the UI unit 28 makes transition from the screen 36 to a screen 42 .
  • the information to be displayed on the screen 42 generated by the display information generator 24 of the server 10 refers to the cooperative function management table, thereby identifying the other device(s) 12 with which a cooperative function is achievable by establishing cooperation an authenticated device 12 A (printer A), and further identifying the cooperative function.
  • PC(B) corresponds to the device 12 with which a cooperative function is achievable by linking the printer A, and a copy function is achievable as a cooperative function by linking the printer A and the PC(B) with a camera.
  • an imaging function is achievable as a scan function by using the camera of the PC(B).
  • the display information generator 24 generates UI information on allowing an operation such as an instruction for execution and setting of the print function of by the printer A to be performed, an operation of only setting for the scan function of by the PC(B) to be performed, and an operation of only setting for the copy function as the cooperative function to be performed.
  • the display information generator 24 causes device identification information for identifying the PC(B) to be included, in the UI information.
  • the UI information is transmitted from the server 10 to the device 12 A, and is displayed as the screen 42 on the device 12 A.
  • the controller 18 may manage history information that indicates each device 12 utilized by the user, and may store the history information of each user in the storage 16 .
  • the display information generator 24 identifies each device 12 utilized by the user ⁇ in the past by referring to the history information of the user ⁇ , and identifies each cooperative function achievable by linking the device 12 and the printer A by referring to the cooperative functional management table.
  • the display information generator 24 generates UI information on allowing an operation such as an instruction for execution and setting of the print function of by the printer A to be performed, and an operation of only setting for the identified cooperative function to be performed.
  • the display information generator 24 causes the device identification information for identifying each device 12 utilized in the past to be included in the UI information.
  • the UI information is transmitted from the server 10 to the device 12 A, and is displayed as the screen 42 on the device 12 A.
  • the screen 42 illustrated in FIG. 9 is an example of UI information generated based on the above-mentioned history information.
  • the PC(B) as the device 12 B, and a device 12 Y and a device 12 Z were utilized by the user ⁇ in the past.
  • the copy function as a cooperative function is achievable by linking the device 12 B and the device 12 Y or the device 12 Z and the device 12 A (printer A), and the scan function is achievable by using the device 12 B and the device 12 Y or the device 12 Z.
  • the user ⁇ is authenticated to the device 12 B and the device 12 Y or the device 12 Z
  • information indicating that it is possible to additionally utilize the copy function and the scan function is displayed on the screen 42 . In this manner, other devices 12 (not authenticated devices 12 ) for achieving a cooperative function are guided to the user.
  • a button image 44 in relation to the copy function, and a button image 46 in relation to the scan function are displayed on the screen 42 along with the button image 38 in relation to the print function.
  • an operation of only setting for the copy function and the scan function is possible.
  • a setting screen for setting the copy function is displayed on the display of the UI unit 28 .
  • the user ⁇ may make settings for the copy function on the setting screen, it is not possible for the user ⁇ to issue instructions for execution of the copy function.
  • the devices 12 (for instance, the devices 12 B, 12 Y, 12 Z) are identified, with which a cooperative function is achievable by linking the authenticated device 12 A, and information indicating the devices 12 is displayed on the device 12 A, thereby providing to the user information on the devices 12 with which a cooperative function is achievable by linking the device 12 A.
  • information indicating the cooperative function is displayed on the device 12 A, thereby providing to the user the information on the cooperative function achievable by linking the device 12 and the other device(s) 12 .
  • the user ⁇ continues to request authentication to the device 12 B (PC(B)).
  • the user ⁇ requests authentication (for instance, login) to the device 12 B by inputting the user identification information (for instance, a user ID and a password) on the user ⁇ to the device 12 B.
  • the user ⁇ may attempt authentication using an ID card on which the user identification information is recorded.
  • authentication to the device 12 B succeeds, login of the user ⁇ to the device 12 B is completed, and the device 12 B is permitted to be used by the user ⁇ .
  • authentication fails the device 12 B is prohibited from being used by the user ⁇ .
  • the device 12 B transmits user information (information including the user identification information) on the user ⁇ , and device information (information including the device identification information and the capability information) on the device 12 B to the server 10 .
  • the capability information includes, for instance, the singly performed function (for instance, an imaging function) owned by the PC(B).
  • the associating unit 20 identifies the device 12 B (PC(B)) based on the device information transmitted from the device 12 B, and identifies the user ⁇ who has logged in the device 12 B based on the user information.
  • the associating unit 20 then registers the device 12 B and the user ⁇ in the association management table in association with each other.
  • the printer A and the user ⁇ are already associated with each other, and as a consequence, as illustrated in FIG. 4 , the user ⁇ , the printer A, and the capability of the printer A are associated with each other, and the user ⁇ , PC(B), and the capability of PC(B) are further associated with each other. In this manner, the user ⁇ , and authenticated printer A and PC(B) are associated with each other.
  • the associating unit 20 stores the device information transmitted from the device 12 B in the storage 16 .
  • the cooperative function identifier 22 identifies that the function achievable by the device 12 B (the function which may be provided by the device 12 B) is an imaging function based on the capability information included in the device information. An image may be read by the imaging function, thus the imaging function corresponds to the scan function using a camera.
  • the cooperative function identifier 22 identifies the cooperative function associated with a combination of the printer A and the PC(B) in the cooperative function management table.
  • the copy function is registered as the cooperative function, and is identified as the cooperative function achievable by linking the printer A and the PC(B).
  • the display information generator 24 generates UI information on allowing an operation such as an instruction for execution and setting of the print function (the singly performed function of the printer A), the scan function (the singly performed function of the PC(B)), and the copy function (cooperative function) to be performed.
  • the communication unit 14 transmits the UI information to the devices 12 A, 12 B under the control of the controller 18 .
  • the controller 34 of each of the devices 12 A, 12 B causes the display of the UI unit 28 to display the UI information.
  • FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an example of a screen.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a screen displayed on the device 12 A (printer A).
  • FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a screen displayed on the device 12 B (PC(B)).
  • a screen 48 illustrated in FIG. 11 is displayed as the UI information on the display of the UI unit 28 of the device 12 A.
  • information for instance, a user ID and a name
  • information for identifying the user ⁇ who has logged in the device 12 A
  • information for instance, a device name
  • information for identifying the device 12 B PC(B)
  • a button image 50 in relation to the copy function a button image 52 in relation to the scan function of by the PC(B), and a button image 54 in relation to the print function of by the printer A are displayed.
  • the setting screen for the copy function is displayed on the display of the UI unit 28 .
  • the user ⁇ is able to set the copy function on the setting screen, and issue instructions for execution of copying.
  • the button image 52 is pressed, the user ⁇ is able to set the scan function, and issue instructions for execution of scanning, and when the button image 54 is pressed, the user ⁇ is able to set the print function, and issue instructions for execution of printing.
  • a button image 56 for cancelling authentication to the device 12 A (printer A) is displayed.
  • the controller 34 of the device 12 A cancels the authentication to the user ⁇ .
  • the user ⁇ is logged out from the device 12 A.
  • the controller 34 of the device 12 A causes the screen to make transition from the screen 48 to the screen for authentication.
  • a button image 58 for cancelling authentication to the device 12 B (PC(B)) as a cooperative partner is displayed.
  • the device 12 A transmits information to the server 10 , the information indicating that authentication to the device 12 B has been cancelled. Cancellation of authentication to the device 12 B indicates that linking between the devices 12 A, 12 B is cancelled, thus the display information generator 24 generates UI information in which only the device 12 A is authenticated.
  • the UI information provides the information of the screen 36 illustrated in FIG. 8 , and the information of the screen 42 illustrated in FIG. 9 .
  • the UI information is transmitted from the server 10 to the device 12 A, and is displayed on the display of the UI unit 28 of the device 12 A. Since only the device 12 A is authenticated, the screen 36 is displayed on the display, and the screen 42 is displayed on the display in accordance with instructions of the user ⁇ .
  • a screen 60 illustrated in FIG. 12 is displayed as the UI information on the display of the UI unit 28 of the device 12 B.
  • information for instance, a user ID and a name
  • information for instance, a device name
  • information for identifying the device 12 A printer A
  • information for identifying the device 12 B PC(B)
  • the button image 50 , the button image 52 , and the button image 54 are displayed on the screen 60 .
  • a button image 62 for cancelling authentication to the device 12 B (PC(B)) is displayed.
  • the controller 34 of the device 12 B cancels the authentication to the user ⁇ .
  • the user ⁇ is logged out from the device 12 B.
  • the controller 34 of the device 12 B causes the screen to make transition from the screen 60 to the screen for authentication.
  • a button image 64 for cancelling authentication to the device 12 A (printer A) as a cooperative partner is displayed.
  • the device 12 B transmits information to the server 10 , the information indicating that authentication to the device 12 A has been cancelled. Cancellation of authentication to the device 12 A indicates that linking between the devices 12 A, 12 B is cancelled, thus the display information generator 24 generates UI information in which only the device 12 B is authenticated.
  • the UI information is information on allowing execution and settings to be performed, and regarding other functions, the UI information is information on allowing only settings to be performed.
  • the device 12 A transmits information to the server 10 , the information indicating that the authentication to the device 12 A has been cancelled. Also in this case, the linking between the devices 12 A, 12 B is cancelled, thus as the UI information for the device 12 B, the display information generator 24 generates UI information in which only the device 12 B is authenticated. The UI information is transmitted from the server 10 to the device 12 B, and is displayed on the device 12 B.
  • the device 12 B transmits information to the server 10 , the information indicating that the authentication to the device 12 B has been cancelled. Also in this case, the linking between the devices 12 A, 12 B is cancelled, thus as the UI information for the device 12 A, the display information generator 24 generates UI information in which only the device 12 A is authenticated. The UI information is transmitted from the server 10 to the device 12 A, and is displayed on the device 12 A.
  • UI information for executing each cooperative function achievable by linking the multiple devices 12 is displayed on each of the multiple devices 12 .
  • UI information for executing each cooperative function is displayed on the devices 12 .
  • information is provided for operating each cooperative function achievable by linking multiple devices 12 predicted to be utilized by the same user ⁇ .
  • the UI information is displayed on the device 12 used for a cooperative function, thus a display device other than the device 12 does not need to be used.
  • the controller 34 of the device 12 may cancel the authentication. For instance, the controller 34 of the device 12 which is not operated by the user cancels the authentication. In other words, only the authentication to the device 12 which is not operated is cancelled.
  • authentication to all the devices 12 by which the user is authenticated may be cancelled.
  • the authentication to not only the PC(B) but also the printer A may be cancelled.
  • Information indicating cancellation instructions is transmitted from the PC(B) not operated to the printer A via the server 10 , for instance.
  • a screen for confirming whether or not the authentication to the devices 12 other than the self-device is cancelled may be displayed on the display of the UI unit 28 of the self-device.
  • the controller 34 of the printer A causes the display of the UI unit 28 of the printer A to display a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not the authentication to the PC(B) is cancelled.
  • the controller 34 of the PC(B) causes the display of the UI unit 28 of the PC(B) to display a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not the authentication to the printer A is cancelled.
  • the associating unit 20 of the server 10 cancels the association between the user authenticated to the device 12 and the device 12 .
  • the printer A is used as the device 12 A
  • the PC(B) having no imaging function (specifically, the PC(B) with no camera) is used as the device 12 B.
  • UI information 66 on allowing only various functions to be set is displayed on the display of the UI unit 28 of the device 12 B.
  • the UI information 66 is information on allowing only setting for, for instance, a cooperative function predicted to be achievable by linking with the other device(s) 12 (for instance, the device 12 A), and a singly performed function predicted to be owned by the other device(s) 12 .
  • UI information 68 is displayed on the display of the UI unit 28 of the device 12 B
  • UI information 70 is displayed on the display of the UI unit 28 of the device 12 A.
  • the UI information 68 , 70 provide information on allowing an operation such as an instruction for execution and setting of the singly performed function of the device 12 A to be performed, and allowing only setting for a cooperative function predicted to be achievable by further linking with the other device(s) 12 . Since the print function is achievable by the device 12 A, a button image for performing an operation such as an instruction for execution and setting of the print function is displayed in the UI information 68 , 70 . In contrast, the copy function and the scan function are not achievable by the devices 12 A, 12 B, thus only settings may be performed for those functions.
  • the user ⁇ is authenticated to devices 12 C, 12 D, and 12 E, and the user ⁇ and the devices 12 C, 12 D, and 12 E are associated with each other.
  • the devices 12 C, 12 D, 12 E are printers each having the print function.
  • the user ⁇ operates the device 12 C to issue to the devices 12 C, 12 D, and 12 E execution instructions for simultaneous printing function to make multiple copies.
  • the designated number of copies is nine, as an example.
  • information indicating instructions for printing nine copies is transmitted from the device 12 C to the server 10 , and the server 10 further transmits information indicating instructions for printing three copies to each of the devices 12 C, 12 D, and 12 E.
  • Each of the devices 12 C, 12 D, and 12 E executes printing for the number of copies (three copies) assigned to itself. In other words, printing is performed by the devices 12 C, 12 D, and 12 E in a distributed manner.
  • the device 12 D runs out of paper while printing is performed.
  • the device 12 D transmits error information to the server 10 , the error information indicating the running-out of paper.
  • the display information generator 24 generates UI information to be displayed on each of the devices 12 C, 12 D, and 12 E, based on the error information.
  • the display information generator 24 generates information (for instance, an error message) indicating that paper in short supply, as UI information for the device 12 D in which the error has occurred.
  • the information is transmitted from the server 10 to the device 12 D, and is displayed on the display of the UI unit 28 of the device 12 D.
  • the display information generator 24 generates information (for instance, an error message) indicating that an error has occurred in the device 12 D, as UI information for the devices 12 C, 12 E in which no error has occurred.
  • the information is transmitted from the server 10 to each of the devices 12 C, 12 E, and is displayed on the display of the UI unit 28 of each of the devices 12 C, 12 E.
  • UI information 72 displayed on the display of the device 12 C includes information indicating that an error has occurred in the device 12 D (printer D).
  • UI information 74 displayed on the display of the device 12 D in which an error has occurred includes information indicating that paper is in short supply.
  • Information indicating that an error has occurred in the device 12 D is displayed in UI information 76 displayed on the display of the device 12 E.
  • the server 10 may transmit UI information as described below to each device 12 .
  • the display information generator 24 may generate information on a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not the authentication to the device 12 authenticated already is cancelled.
  • the information on the confirmation screen is transmitted from the server 10 to the other device(s) 12 , and is displayed on the other device(s) 12 .
  • a user issues cancelling instructions on the confirmation screen, information indicating the instructions is transmitted from the other device(s) 12 to the device 12 to be cancelled via the server 10 , and the authentication to the device 12 to be cancelled is cancelled. In this manner, the multiple devices 12 having the same function is prevented from being associated with a user at the same time.
  • the display information generator 24 may generate information on a screen for making an inquiry to the user about the devices 12 which execute the function.
  • the information on the screen is transmitted from the server 10 to a device 12 operated by the user to issue execution instructions for the function, and is displayed on the device 12 .
  • the user designates a device 12 on the screen, which executes the function
  • information indicating the execution instructions for the function is transmitted to the device 12 which executes the function. In this manner, the function is executed by the device 12 .
  • the controller 18 of the server 10 identifies multiple devices 12 connected to the same network as the devices 12 to be linked, and does not have to identify multiple devices 12 connected to different networks as the devices 12 to be linked. For instance, multiple devices 12 installed on the same floor or the same building and connected to the same network are identified as the devices 12 to be linked, and multiple devices 12 installed on different floors or different buildings and connected to different networks are not identified as the devices 12 to be linked. In this manner, cooperative functions achievable by using multiple devices 12 connected to the same network are provided to users.
  • information for making an inquiry to the user as to whether or not information on cooperative function is displayed may be display on the display of the UI unit 28 of the device 12 .
  • each of the server 10 and the devices 12 is implemented by cooperation between hardware and software.
  • each of the server 10 and the devices 12 includes one or more processors such as a CPU which is not illustrated.
  • the function of each component of the server 10 and the devices 12 is implemented by the one or more processors reading and executing a corresponding program stored in a storage device which is not illustrated.
  • the program is stored in the storage device via a recording medium such as a CD or a DVD or through a communication path such as a network.
  • each component of the server 10 and the devices 12 may be implemented by hardware resources such as a processor, an electronic circuit, and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
  • a device such as a memory may be utilized for the implementation.
  • each component of the server 10 and the devices 12 may be implemented by a digital signal processor (DSP) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • FPGA field programmable gate array

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